fitness and kids question

abcwhite10

I have been running off and on for a while now. I have just started the C25K again recently to try and increase my running time/endurance. My 11 yr old daughter has been doing it with me. My question is.......I have an 8 year old daughter as well. She is a skinny little waif type build (11 yr old is solid muscle - has a 6 pack and biceps most of us would kill for) and to top it off she is lazy. No matter what I try with her she loses interest quickly (other than hockey, which she plays all winter but I'm sure its for the socializing). If I take away the tv, or computer, or her DS she doesn't care - reads a book instead which is fine, but doesn't help with the physical activity. I want to try and get her invovled with running and she has expressed some interest just because its mommy time. My question is.......is 8 too young to be starting a running program? Does anyone have kids that are runners? She has a just a routine dr's appt soon so I will ask him too, but its not for a while. She needs to do something!! Thanks in advance for any advice.

DixiedoesMFP

I have a runner friend whose granddaughter runs with her frequently and has even done 5K's. I believe she is 9. I think if the focus is on fun and fitness (and obviously not weight loss) then go for it. And good for you for setting a good example for her!

ShaeDetermined

i find that my kids though they really want to join me on my runs (like you said, for "mommy time") do not really have the drive to push thru the distance.
So when I run outdoors my 10 and 11year old come with me, but they bike and I run.
I complete my mileage, and they get to feel special since their younger brothers can't come along yet.

themommie

I dont think 8 is too young to start a running program. Physical activity is good for us at any age and it is something you can do together with your girls, good bonding time. It also helps them to create good habits for later in life.

JustBill

Well, they start making them run a mile in school in first grade, so I would think that it would be okay. My nine year old daughter has been running for a few years, especially during soccer. And I make my seven year old son run laps around our 2 1/2 acre yard when he's in trouble. He's a lot like your daughter... next to no physical activity and would rather be watching TV or playing video games... but he can easily run a couple laps around the yard as well. I think she'd be fine.

monkeymomof3

My 7yo ran two miles with me last night! It was slower than I would normally go but still almost a 10 minute mile....He has been BEGGING to go run with me! I don't think I'll go any further than that with him until I do find more info about the age and running as a "sport" so to speak. but I think like pp said, as long as it is for fun and health and nothing more than it should be fine! Just start her off slow (if she wants to do it!) and keep it light and fun!

Kinda79

I'm a mother of 4 kiddo's and my almost 10 year old is underweight and very skinny. She isn't into sports that much but does like to play when we all get together. My personal opinion is if your child isn't overweight then a running program and routine probably isn't necessary. She does hockey in the winter which is great but I think as long as she gets outside and gets some type of activity she is probably fine. I think that pushing a child into doing an activity that doesn't really interest them will only make them hate it later down the road. Instead show her how much fun you are having while running, like enjoying the scenery and going to new places rather than pushing the exercise aspect. Kids are kids and having fun is what they are most interested in.

On another note it's awesome that you are setting a great example for your kids. Great job!

rachel5576

go for it! i try to get all my kids interested in running. They've all done a few kids races even my 2yr old. We don't run regularly together mostly because of time constraints but kids can definitely do. Just start off slow.

bachooka

Just be careful that you aren't making exercise a negative thing to your daughter... if it is something that you get upset with her about or she has negative feelings towards she will resent it. Maybe try to find a summer activity with the social aspect that she likes. To be honest for some people, even kids, running is just something that they hate and will never want to do!

abcwhite10

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm not at all interested in forcing her as the last thing I want to do is make her feel pressured. I'm just excited that she is showing some interest in something physical.......even if the real reason is mommy time. I think I will start with her on her bike and let her come along that way and go from there. She is such a tiny little thing (55lbs soaking wet I'm sure), seems hard to picture her jogging along with me lol. I don't know any runners with kids so the input from everyone is much appreciated. Thanks again mfp's.